The Métis Nation, comprising a distinct, rights-bearing, mixed-ancestry Indigenous People, has occupied the historic Northwest long before Canada became Canada. At the heart and core of the Métis Nation are Métis women.
The history of the Women of the Métis Nation is rich and complex, and covers myriad trails of experience connecting Métis women across the Métis Nation Homeland – our Métis Motherland.
Throughout Canada’s history, Métis women have not only been the givers of life and the nurturers of a new Nation, we have been engaged as equal partners in the political, social and economic life of Métis communities and in the development of the Métis Motherland for centuries.
Accorded respect, held in high esteem, and occupying honored roles as traditional knowledge keepers, Métis women – “The Women in Between” First Nations and European cultures and peoples – have played an integral role in the development of the Métis People and the growing strength of the Métis Nation in Canada today.
Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO) is the National Indigenous Organization democratically mandated to represent Métis women across the Métis Nation Homeland – our Métis Motherland.
Founded in 1999 and incorporated in 2010, LFMO works in collaboration with the Métis Nation’s governance structure and Governing Members to promote the leadership of Métis women in representing their unique needs and interests at the local, community, regional, provincial, national and international level.